ENTIRE COMMUNITY MOURNS AS KAYLA MONROE IS PUT TO REST IN THE MONROE FAMILY CEMETARY
Yesterday, the town of Thomasville gathered together to pay respect to the Monroe family as they buried their beloved Kayla Rae Monroe in the family cemetery at Monroe Gardens
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Citizens from all over came to mourn the loss of the incredible woman who touched our town for all of her life. Kayla, or Kayla Rae as her friends called her, was a lifelong resident of Thomasville and the founding member of so many of our beloved town traditions.
Last week, our community was shaken to the core when news of Kayla’s death spread following an automobile accident on State Road 8. According to the local authorities, details of the accident are still under investigation, but they have confirmed the accident did not involve another vehicle.
Kayla was survived by her husband of fifty years, Roy; Son, Carl; Daughter–in-law, Sharon; and grandchildren, Logan and Grace Monroe.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. The Monroe family has been a staple in the community for many generations…
The article goes on, giving details of the family and their legacy in Thomasville. I skim, scrolling down and stopping at a collage of family portraits. My heart stills when my eyes land on pictures of Grace with her grandmother at several community events.
In every shot, they are laughing or smiling with identical smiles.
There’s another small article at the bottom of the page that catches my attention immediately.
Remembering Kayla Rae— from the desk of Grace Rae Monroe
First and foremost, my family and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your heartfelt prayers and kind words during this difficult time. Even in the darkest of hours, the outpouring of support has been a guiding light. We could not have asked for a better community to lift us in these times of sorrow.
As most of you know, Kayla Rae was more than my grandma; she was my inspiration, my cheerleader, and my best friend. From as early as I can remember, she was by my side every step of the way, always supporting every decision I made and encouraging me to follow my dreams. And for that I am grateful.
Referred to as the town Matriarch, Grandma reminded me often of the importance of family, friends, and community. She loved her life here in Thomasville and loved each of you for what you represented of ‘her’ town.
Many of you have reached out to my family with personal memories of Kayla and how she touched your life in some way. Every one of these stories has brought a smile to our faces, and I encourage you to continue to share.
I will not pretend there isn’t a giant void left by Grandma’s death. We are all still reeling with shock and sadness, but we will persevere. Kayla would have it no other way.
With great consideration and thought, I have decided to take a leave from college and stay in order to help my family. My mother, Sharon, and I will be assuming all philanthropic duties to help transition so many of the town’s beloved traditions.
Once again, thank you all for loving Kayla Rae Monroe and helping us heal.
~Grace Monroe
“Fuck, that’s rough,” Eddie hisses beside me, reminding me he’s been reading as well. “Sucks to lose a family member, but looks like she really is small town royalty. Did you see they have a cemetery in their name?”
“Shit.”
“Did you know?”
I shake my head and close the iPad, dropping it in my bag. “Had no idea, but why wouldn’t she tell me her grandma died? We didn’t know each other well, but I’d have been supportive.”
“Reading that tells me so much more than what’s printed in black and white. That story drips monarchy, timeless traditions, and southern obligations. If I had to guess, there’s a smokescreen there, hiding a few real reasons Grace stayed home.”
I think about what he’s said and let the words sink in. Maybe it wasn’t a simple case of losing a grandmother. Maybe he’s on to something. It did seem as if her family had deep roots. But why didn’t she just tell me?
“What’s the deal with this woman? Who is she really?” He lowers his voice.
I glance around to make sure no one’s listening and find most of the guys with their headphones on and heads laid back. Quietly, I explain my brief history with Grace and her reappearance a few days ago. I skip over my endless search after she disappeared, partly trying to keep some semblance of manliness and partly because I’m embarrassed.
How did I know so little about her? I rack my brain and realize she directed most of our conversations back to me, always listening to me talk about my family, Bizzy, or football.
Back then, I thought I had more time. But I was obviously wrong, and fate had other plans.
Eddie listens, and more than once, I catch his sympathetic gaze. By the time we land, I can’t wait to get through today’s activities.